Movie & Dialogue
Jan. 8, Friday
The Ely Folk School will be showing a free movie and discussion titled “Arctic Exploration” at 7 p.m. The discussion will be hosted by arctic explorer and dogsledder Paul Schurke, in honor of the historic 1986 trip to the North Pole 30 years ago. Schurke, Will Steger, and their team endured 56 days and 1,000 miles across fractured, shifting sea ice in temperatures below -75 degrees Farenheit. Don’t miss this incredible story and film. There will also be a free movie on Friday, Jan. 22 titled “Vanishing of
the Bees,” hosted by Dan Donnelly. www.elyfolkschool.org
Grand Marais Ole Opry
Jan. 16, Saturday
The North Shore Music Association will be holding the 3rd annual Grand Marais Ole Opry, featuring local and regional musicians. Audience members will enjoy classic country, bluegrass and old time music, made famous by artists such as Hank Williams, Emmylou Harris, Patsy Cline and the Louvin Brothers. The show will be emceed by WTIP Classic Country show host Carl Solander and musicians include The Roe Family Singers, Jim and Michele Miller, Portage and the Pinemartians. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais. www.northshoremusicassociation.com
Boulder Lake Ski & Snowshoe Stomp
Jan. 17, Sunday
Sign up for one of five races at Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center north of Duluth. Featured is the 32km or 11.1km skate and classic ski races or the 10.4km or 5.2km snowshoe races. Or try both with the Duathlon, an 11km ski followed by 5.2km snowshoe. Chili will be given to participants at the finish line. Door prizes and race awards will also be provided. www.boulderlakeskirace.com
Let’s Hang On: Frankie Valli Tribute Show
Jan. 17, Sunday
Let’s Hang On is a group of 10 entertainers preserving the music and style of the iconic 1960s group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Enjoy all the great hits such as Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, December ’63 and Who Loves You. Let’s Hang On will also pay tribute to the Broadway show, The Jersey Boys. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. www.tbca.com
Northland 300: Riding with Heart
Jan. 20-24
The Northland 300, held in Ely, is a 300-mile, three-day charity snowmobile ride to raise funds for the Special Olympics Minnesota. The event is planned by a volunteer board of directors and more than 700 enthusiasts have participated since the event’s inception in 1988. The ride will not be cancelled due to bad weather. All of the funds raised go to the Special Olympics Minnesota to benefit its athletes. www.northland300.org
| Mark Tessier
Winter Plein Air Festival
Jan. 24-29
The Outdoor Painters of Minnesota (OPM) will gather at YMCA Camp Menogyn up the Gunflint Trail for the 5th annual Winter Plein Air, where artists will paint the winter wonderland of the Northern Wilds. The Grand Marais Art Colony is also taking part this year by hosting an artist Meet-n-Greet at 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 24 at the Art Colony. On Jan. 29 is a reception and pop-up exhibit, open to the public, from 3-5 p.m., also at the Art Colony. Visit www.grandmaraisartcolony.org or www.outdoorpaintersofminnesota.org for more info.